Oxford United boss Karl Robinson has revealed he is in close contact with Luke Garbutt over a return to the U’s next season.
The twenty-six-year-old enjoyed a season-long loan from Everton at the Kassam Stadium in 2018/19, making thirty-six appearances across all competition.
Garbutt especially impressed when Robinson employed him in a more attacking role towards the end of the campaign. The left-sided player scored three goals in five games to help Oxford move away from relegation trouble.
Robinson’s men finished the season strongly to move away from the drop zone and secure twelfth place, returning twenty-seven points from their final thirteen games.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail Robinson said: ‘We’re still speaking to Garbs and his parent club,’ and added, ‘We would be looking for a left-footed player. Ideally, we’ll bring Garbs back.’
Robinson also confirmed in the report that he was in similar negotiation with Watford over a return for striker Jerome Sinclair. The twenty-two-year-old scored four times in sixteen outings for the U’s after joining on loan in January.
Robinson was hoping for news on both his targets shortly with both likely to return on loan if he is successful in tempting them back to the Kassam.
Our View
Garbutt was popular with U’s fans last season, and a return would delight most fans.
It is curious that another loan has been cited bearing in mind the player is about to enter the final year of his contract at Everton.
Nonetheless, you would imagine deals for both Garbutt and Sinclair are close if the manager has gone public.
